Go Cardinals

Wow, -18 net rushing yards for the entire game for Detroit (their lowest team rushing total since 1946.) Amazing for a Cardinals defense ranked 12th in the league, giving up an average of 100.3 yds/game, but not overly surprising since the Lions’ offense is 29th in the league in rushing yardage. The Cardinals stifling of Detroit’s rushing game turned the normally opportunistic Lions into a one-dimensional team.

Kurt Warner had a great day, going 26/36, 259 yds. and 3 TDs; Tim Rattay got in on the action with a TD pass as well. Veteran stud Larry Fitzgerald had 2 TDs as did Leonard Pope. The Edge managed a respectable 60 rushing yds.

It was, however, the DST’s day. Two 4th quarter turnovers, an INT by Karlos Dansby (his 2nd of the day, not to mention forcing a fumble too) and a momentum-stopping fumble forced by Calvin Pace sealed the victory for Arizona. Rookie phenom Steve Breaston had a nice 52-yd kickoff return and a 46-yd punt return, giving the Cards great field position.

Ken Whisenhunt remained true to his tag-team philosophy of quarterbacking, putting Rattay into play in the red zone since Warner is still nursing a hand injury and has difficulties handing off.

Detroit, very impressive thus far this season, remains firmly in 2nd place in the usually-tough NFC North, although was hoping to stay one game behind the division-leading Packers. Arizona, also, remains in 2nd place in their division; although a loss by Seattle on Monday night would tie them for the lead atop the NFC West.